A refurbished 25-pounder gun has been given a new life and will be proudly displayed at the Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch Veteran Support Centre.
Earlier this year, Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch identified the opportunity to have the field gun refurbished and requested the gun be relocated to its Veteran Support Centre on Takalvan Street.
Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch president Graham Crowden said the 25-pounder gun, originally located outside Anzac Pool, was gifted by Council and refurbishment was promptly underway.
“One of our passionate members Max Francis researched the piece and he was able to find out valuable information,” Graham said.
“The depth Max went to, to find out all the history on this piece, he is definitely passionate.
“It was never deployed overseas, and it has never fired a shot.”
He said the group was thankful for the support from Council, which gifted the field gun to Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch, and arranged for the relocation of the gun from Anzac Pool to the sandblasters which also supported the refurbishment.
The 25-pounder artillery piece commemorates the men and women who served in World War II.
Graham said after World War II about 4000 of the 25-pounder guns were gifted to communities around Australia to be used as memorials.
“This is significant from an RSL perspective as they were originally donated as memorials,” he said.
“To think this particular gun caught the awareness of the community for the returned services, so to now have it at the Veteran Support Centre, which advocates for returned service men and women – it’s very significant.”
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